Of course they don't 'need' to use social networking sites to socialize, but the students who are left out of the loop probably feel like a social pariah.  I think that social networking sites can be a good thing for kids to have access to--in small doses.  We have all probably known the student who is failing his classes because sent a hundred thousand texts or facebook posts in one month. 

I agree that there is no "need" for students to socialize through social networking sites; but at the same time I believe that this is simply another phenomena of the electronic age which facilitates contact between young people who do, in fact, need socialization with their peers. Socialization is one of the few ways that they will learn social skills and the ability to adapt to and feel comfortable with others. As was pointed out, this was formerly done by meeting at teenage "hangouts," talking on the phone, etc. Social networking simply makes this more convenient and easier. Parents normally wouldn't object, because teenagers are now not tieing up the phones as they did in days of yore!

There is of course, danger in social networking as there are, sadly dangerous types online who pose as someone whom they are not. For that reason, young people should be closely supervised while networking, and also be warned about "relationships" with people they only know online. There have also been instances of bullying, not always by the person whose name appeared as the communicator. However, as long as the contact is between known friends and is not harmful, it can be a quite useful tool of communication for kids.  

The key word here is "need." No, they probably don't "need" to communicate via social networking in order to grow up in a healthy way. However, social networking has become so pervasive, so quickly, that it has become the norm to participate in it to some degree. So the idea that they "need" to do it could be looked at in terms of what students normally do. These days, many many students do use social networking in the course of a normal day. Therefore, they probably feel like they "need" to.

I know a lot of adults who feel like they need to talk on the phone for several hours a day. For them, its the norm, although they could conduct their daily business without doing it.

I don't think social networking is necessary, but it can definitely enhance communication and social relationships if used correctly. For many, it can be used as a forum to spread awareness of something. If a student is trying to inform the student body of an event he/she is putting on for a good cause, such as a charity event or fundraiser, social networking sites would be excellent venues for the student to reach large numbers in a very short amount of time.

The key for social networking is for people to know how to use it. It can be easliy abused and used for the wrong reasons, but it can also be an excellent tool for many positive things.

I really don't think school children need to socialize through sites on the Internet.  There's nothing that needs to be put on a social networking site that can't be communicated face-to-face at school or talked about over the phone. 

Social networking is nice, but not necessary.  The Internet is a great tool to find out things, to shop online, to pay your bills, or stay abreast of current affairs.  But, too many people reveal their personal business on site likes Facebook, especially the young people.  I really think those sites are a waste of time.

Do students need to use social media in order to develop friendships? I'd say the answer is no. Students can make friends in person, at school and elsewhere. 

Do students need to use social media in order to compensate for a lack of face-to-face interaction with peers? This may be true for some students, especially those who are home-schooled. Social media can be a viable avenue for maintaining friendships. 

I agree with post 2.  School age students have always found a way to spend time with their friends after school hours.  Once, students might meet up at the library or a local store after school.  Eventually, it became more common for students to talk to their friends on the phone after school.  Now, it seems popular for students to connect on Facebook.  While this might not be necessary, I don't think it is always a bad thing. 

Consider that some schools are very large.  A student might not see their friend during the day even though they attend the same school.  I know my high school had at least three different lunches and many different teachers for each subject.  There were plenty  of times where my classes and lunch schedule was different from that of my friends. 

No, they don't need to, but I don't think that there is anything wrong with it.  Sure, people could meet and talk to their friends at school.  But Facebook and other such sites let then stay in contact at other times (just as in past times teens would come home and then talk to their friends on the phone).  So there is no need for it, but it is not really a bad thing either.